Built in 1915 in Vlaardingen, to plunder the rich North Sea fishing zones of herring.

Launched under the name Graaf van Limburg Stirum, she fished as a commercial sailing vessel for 10 years before being forced into early retirement in Katwijk Harbour.

In 1935 she was sold to Denmark and was christened Maria, She sailed the coastal waters of Denmark transporting heavy grain, stone and turf between the Danish islands. In 1960 she was sold to Aalborg and christened Tecla.